Owen Miller recalled by Cleveland

Cleveland made it official and recalled infielder Owen Miller to the majors after his scorching start to the minor-league season.

With Andres Gimenez’s recent demotion last week, Miller figures to get time at shortstop. The 24-year-old played multiple games at every infield position besides catcher for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers this season as Cleveland sought to keep his positioning flexible for an easier transition to a spot in the majors. They’ve treated Nolan Jones the same, but Jones hasn’t forced anyone’s hand. Miller did.

In 55 Triple-A at-bats this season, Miller is slashing a ridiculous .406/.457/.609 with two home runs and has hit line drives about 30% of the time — the highest line-drive rate of his career.

Miller was acquired by Cleveland at last year’s trade deadline in exchange for Mike Clevinger. It felt light at the time (at least in terms of immediate impacts) but looks incredible now. Along with Miller, Cleveland also acquired pitcher Cal Quantrill, everybody's favorite outfielder/first baseman Josh Naylor, starting catcher Austin Hedges, and prospects Joey Cantillo and Gabriel Arias. Cantillo is currently on the injured list with an abdominal strain, but Arias looks like he could be the future at shortstop. As a 21-year-old in Triple-A, he has slashed .262/.404/.429 with a 17.3% walk rate and 23.1% strikeout rate.

It is a haul that looks sweeter with each passing today. Perhaps this afternoon Mr. Miller will offer another taste.